There is something deeply nostalgic about long summer evenings outdoors.

Children running barefoot through the garden. Dogs wandering lazily through long grass. Open doors. Warm air drifting through the kitchen. Dinner plates abandoned outside long after sunset.

But alongside the beauty of summer comes something less idyllic: ticks.

Living in the countryside, I have become increasingly aware of the importance of protecting both children and pets during the warmer months, particularly after woodland walks, garden play and evenings spent outdoors.

While no natural solution can guarantee complete protection, I prefer to use gentle plant-based sprays as part of our summer routine, especially for everyday garden use.

A Gentle Homemade Tick Spray

This simple spray is refreshing, natural and easy to make.

You will need:

• 100ml distilled water
• 1 tbsp witch hazel
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 5 drops geranium essential oil

Pour into a small amber spray bottle and shake well before each use.

Lightly mist onto clothing, shoes, hats and dog leads before heading outdoors.

For dogs, always check essential oils are pet-safe and avoid spraying directly onto the face or near sensitive areas.

Why I Prefer Seasonal Rhythms Over Fear

One of the things I am trying to embrace more intentionally is seasonal awareness rather than anxiety.

Summer invites us outside. Into gardens, forests, picnics and evening walks. I do not want fear to remove those ordinary pleasures from family life.

Instead, I want to build gentle rituals around caring for our home and family through the seasons.

The bug spray by the back door.

The dog towel hanging ready.

Checking legs after garden play.

Candles flickering outside while the windows stay open late into the evening.

These small practical rhythms become part of the emotional feeling of summer itself.

Creating A Calm Summer Home

For me, homemaking is rarely about perfection.

It is about creating homes that feel peaceful, prepared and emotionally safe.

Sometimes that simply means remembering the small practical things that allow everyone to relax more fully into the season.